Shelf device having variable width cradle

ABSTRACT

A gravity feed shelf device for storing product containers on their sides and dispensing containers one at a time has first and second cradle assemblies. The first cradle assembly has a first cradle panel with connecting members extending therefrom. At least one gravity feed panel is attached to the first cradle panel and extends from a rear edge portion of the first cradle panel towards a front edge portion of the first cradle panel. The second cradle assembly has a second cradle panel with connecting members extending therefrom. At least one gravity feed panel is attached to the second cradle panel and extends from a rear edge portion of the second cradle panel towards a front edge portion of the second cradle panel. The connecting members of each panel slidably receive a rod to connect the first cradle panel with the second cradle panel so that distance between the first and second cradle panels adjusts to accommodate different sized containers.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a merchandising shelf device for displaying and dispensing cylindrical containers one at a time with containers laying on their sides for rolling, and more particularly, to an adjustable width shelf device for accommodating various sizes of containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Merchandising display devices are used in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores and other commercial environments to position containers for easy access by consumers. It is desirable to display chilled containers of beverage or other goods and dispense them one at a time while using cooler space efficiently. Placing containers on their sides on a cooler shelf facilitates gravity feed without the need for gravity feed mechanisms that use space needed for product. Gravity feed assures product rotation. Also, rolling containers on their sides simplifies the task of stopping forward motion of the container that may cause a standing container to topple. In addition, placing containers on their sides allows otherwise unused space in the cooler to be more fully utilized.

A problem with some shelf devices is that the shelf device is often designed and/or constructed for one size container requiring a vendor or merchant to change shelf devices when a different size container is to be displayed and dispensed. Changing shelf devices requires time and also requires a supply of available shelf devices which must be stored awaiting use further using valuable product space. It is therefore desirable to have a shelf device that adjusts to efficiently store and dispense containers of different sizes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above. Briefly summarized, according to one aspect of the present invention, a gravity feed shelf device for storing product containers on their sides and dispensing containers one at a time comprises first and second cradle assemblies and members for adjustably joining the cradle assemblies. Each cradle assembly has a cradle panel with top, bottom, front and rear edge portions, a front top connecting member attached to at least one of the top and front edge portions, and a front bottom connecting member attached to at least one of the bottom and front edge portions. A rear top connecting member attaches to at least one of the top and rear edge portions and a rear bottom connecting member attaches to at least one of the bottom and rear edge portions. There is at least one gravity feed panel extending from the rear edge portion towards the front edge portion. There are members for adjustably joining the connecting members of the first cradle panel with the connecting members of the second cradle panel so that the distance between the first and second cradle panels adjusts to accommodate different sized containers.

The first and second cradle panels face one another so that connecting members of the first cradle panel face the connecting members of the second cradle panel. Female connecting members on the first cradle panel slidably receive male connecting members on the second cradle panel thereby allowing the distance between cradle panels to adjust.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a gravity feed shelf device for storing product containers on their sides and dispensing containers one at a time comprises first and second cradle assemblies, and a plurality of rods adjustably joining connecting members of the first cradle assembly to corresponding connecting members of the second cradle assembly to vary spacing therebetween to accommodate containers of different sizes. Each of the cradle assemblies has a cradle panel with top, bottom, front, front extension and rear edge portions. A front connecting member is attached to the front edge portion, a front extension connecting member is attached to the front extension portion, and a rear top connecting member is attached to at least one of the top and rear edge portions. A rear bottom connecting member is attached to at least one of the bottom and rear edge portions, and the cradle panel has at least one gravity feed panel. A plurality of rods adjustably join connecting members of the first cradle assembly to corresponding connecting members of the second cradle assembly to vary spacing therebetween to accommodate containers of different sizes.

Each connecting member is an elongated member defining a socket for releasably holding a connecting rod so that a cradle panel can slide along to vary the distance between adjacent panels to accommodate different sizes of containers.

These and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood and appreciated from a review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and appended claims, and by reference to the accompanying drawings wherein similar reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate similar or identical features that are common to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded diagrammatic perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a cooler shelf device having adjustable shelf width cradles according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembled shelf device having front doors and a product identification holder with an insert panel.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cooler shelf device similar to the device of FIGS. 1 and 2, but illustrating another preferred embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cooler shelf device, similar to FIG. 3, but illustrating another preferred embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a the shelf device of FIG. 4 with a front panel swung open.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a gravity feed shelf device 10 for storing product containers on their sides and dispensing containers one at a time has two or more cradle assemblies 12, 14, 16 connected together. The first cradle assembly 12 has a first cradle panel 18 with top, bottom, front and rear edge portions. A front, top connecting member 20 is attached to at least one of the top and front edge portions of cradle panel 18, and a front, bottom connecting member 22 is attached to at least one of the bottom and front edge portions of cradle panel 18. A rear, top connecting member 24 is attached to at least one of the top and rear edge portions of cradle panel 18, and a rear, bottom connecting member 26 is attached to at least one of the bottom and rear edge portions of cradle panel 18. By this construction cradle panel 18 can have connecting members disposed at or near its corners. In addition, there may be intermediate top and bottom connecting members 28, 30 disposed along the top and bottom edge portions of cradle panel 18.

At least one gravity feed panel 32 extends from the rear edge portion towards the front edge portion of cradle panel 18 so that containers gravity feed forward for dispensing. Gravity feed panel 32 extends along both the front and rear faces of cradle panel 18. As illustrated, a second gravity feed panel 34 is disposed above lower gravity feed panel 32 and slants from front to rear so that containers gravity feed toward the rear before exiting through an opening to lower gravity feed panel 32. Gravity feed panel 34 also extends along both the front and rear faces of cradle panel 18. Except for the connecting members, the front and rear faces of cradle panel 18 are mirror images of one another.

The second cradle assembly 14 has a second cradle panel 36 with top, bottom, front and rear edge portions. A front, top connecting member 38 is attached to at least one of the top and front edge portions of cradle panel 36, and a front, bottom connecting member 40 is attached to at least one of the bottom and front edge portions of cradle panel 36. A rear, top connecting member 42 is attached to at least one of the top and rear edge portions of cradle panel 36, and a rear, bottom connecting member 44 is attached to at least one of the bottom and rear edge portions of cradle panel 36. By this construction cradle panel 36 can have connecting members disposed at or near its corners. In addition, there may be intermediate top and bottom connecting members 46, 48 disposed along the top and bottom edge portions of cradle panel 36.

At least one gravity feed panel 50 extends from the rear edge portion towards the front edge portion of cradle panel 36 so that containers gravity feed forward for dispensing. Gravity feed panel 50 extends along both the front and rear faces of cradle panel 36. As illustrated, a second gravity feed panel 52 is disposed above lower gravity feed panel 50 and slants from front to rear so that containers gravity feed toward the rear before exiting through an opening to lower gravity feed panel 50. Gravity feed panel 52 also extends along both the front and rear faces of cradle panel 36. Except for the connecting members, the front and rear faces of cradle panel 36 are mirror images of one another. Except for the connecting members, the rear face of cradle panel 18 and front panel of cradle panel 36 are mirror images of one another. When positioned adjacent one another two gravity feed panels form a ramp for containers.

As illustrated, each connecting member 20-30 on first cradle panel 18 is a female member adapted to receive an end portion of one of a plurality of male members 54. Similarly, each connecting member 38-48 on second cradle panel 36 is also a female member adapted to receive the other end portion of one of a plurality of the male members 54. Male members 54 may be force fitted to connecting members 38-48 or may be integrally formed therewith. By this construction, one cradle panel can slide via members 54 toward and from an adjacent cradle panel to vary the distance therebetween to accommodate containers of different sizes. This construction would allow a shelf device to accommodate a twelve ounce container at one time and a twenty ounce container at another time, for example. Alternatively, one set of connecting members, 20 to 30 for example, could be female members while the other set 38 to 48 for example, could be male members so that first cradle panel 18 can slide toward and from cradle panel 36 to vary the distance therebetween to accommodate containers of different sizes.

Still referring to FIG. 1, cradle assembly 16 is identical to the first and second cradle assemblies 12, 14 and when connected to them form two container cradles. The cradle between cradle assemblies 12 and 14 can hold twelve ounce containers, for example, while the cradle between cradle assemblies 14 and 16 can hold twenty ounce containers, for example. While only three cradle assemblies are illustrated, there may be more assemblies joined together forming a shelf device for cylindrical containers. The forward-most container in each cradle is inhibited from exiting the cradle by the front, bottom connecting members which extend above the plane of the gravity feed panel.

Each cradle panel contains a top lug 56 and a bottom lug 58 preferably integrally formed with the cradle panel and defining a slot wherein a connecting member is held by a force fit or by fastening. Preferably, top lugs 56 each have an opening while bottom lugs 58 have protrusions forming lips or slots.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a gravity feed shelf device 60 has lugs 62 at the top portions of cradle panels 64, 66, 68 and 70. Lugs 62 on adjacent cradle panels 66 and 68 are used to hang a small door 72 that has protrusions inserted into the openings in the lugs 62. A larger door 74 is hung on lugs attached to adjacent cradle panels 66 and 70. Door 74 is larger than door 72 because it must cover a larger opening because larger containers are housed behind it. Gravity feed shelf device 60 also has lugs 76 at the bottom portions of cradle panels 64, 66, 68 and 70. Lugs 76 have lips forming a slot for receiving a display panel 78 that may be used for product identification.

Referring to FIG. 3, a gravity feed shelf device 110 for storing product containers on their sides and dispensing containers one at a time has three cradle assemblies 112, 114, 116 connected together. The first cradle assembly 112 has a first cradle panel 118 with top, bottom, front and rear edge portions. A front, top connecting member 120 is attached to the top and front edge portions of cradle panel 118, and a front, bottom connecting member 122 is attached to the bottom and front edge portions of cradle panel 118. A rear, top connecting member 124 is attached to the top and rear edge portions of cradle panel 118, and a rear, bottom connecting member 126 is attached to the bottom and rear edge portions of cradle panel 118. By this construction cradle panel 118 has the connecting members disposed at or near its corners for greater structural integrity.

A lower gravity feed panel 132 extends from the rear edge portion towards the front edge portion of cradle panel 118 so that containers 111 gravity feed forward for dispensing. Gravity feed panel 132 extends along the rear face of cradle panel 118. A second gravity feed panel 134 is disposed above lower gravity feed panel 132 and slants from front to rear so that containers gravity feed toward the rear before exiting through an opening to lower gravity feed panel 132. Gravity feed panel 134 also extends along the rear face of cradle panel 118.

The second cradle assembly 114 has a second cradle panel 136 with top, bottom, front and rear edge portions. The front, top connecting member 120 is attached to the top and front edge portions of second cradle panel 136, and the front, bottom connecting member 122 is attached to the bottom and front edge portions of cradle panel 136 along the front face of cradle panel 136. The rear, top connecting member 124 is attached to the top and rear edge portions of cradle panel 136, and the rear, bottom connecting member 126 is attached to the bottom and rear edge portions of cradle panel 136. By this construction cradle panel 136 has connecting members disposed at or near its corners.

A gravity feed panel (not shown) extends from the rear edge portion towards the front edge portion of cradle panel 136 so that containers gravity feed forward for dispensing. A second gravity feed panel (not shown) is disposed above the lower gravity feed panel and slants from front to rear so that containers gravity feed toward the rear before exiting through an opening to the lower gravity feed panel. Gravity feed panels extend along both the front and rear faces of cradle panel 136 with upper gravity feed panel 152 slanting toward the rear face. The front and rear faces of cradle panel 136 are mirror images of one another. The rear face of cradle panel 118 and front panel of cradle panel 136 are mirror images of one another. When positioned adjacent one another two gravity feed panels form a ramp for the containers.

The connecting members 120, 122, 124 and 126 are composed of male and female members as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. By this construction, one cradle panel can slide toward and from an adjacent cradle panel to vary the distance therebetween to accommodate containers of different sizes.

The third cradle assembly 116 has a third cradle panel 180 that is connected to second cradle panel 136 via connecting members 182, 184, 186, 188. The front, top connecting member 182 is attached to the top and front edge portions of third cradle panel 180, and the front, bottom connecting member 184 is attached to the bottom and front edge portions of cradle panel 180 along the front face of cradle panel 180. The rear, top connecting member 186 is attached to the top and rear edge portions of cradle panel 180, and the rear, bottom connecting member 188 is attached to the bottom and rear edge portions of cradle panel 180. By this construction cradle panel 180 has connecting members disposed at or near its corners.

A gravity feed panel (not shown) extends from the rear edge portion towards the front edge portion of cradle panel 180 so that containers 111 gravity feed forward for dispensing. A second gravity feed panel (not shown) is disposed above the lower gravity feed panel and slants downward from front to rear so that containers gravity feed toward the rear before exiting through an opening to the lower gravity feed panel. When positioned adjacent one another two gravity feed panels form a ramp for the containers.

Cradle assembly 116 is the mirror image of cradle assembly 112 and is disposed opposite the rear face of cradle assembly 114 whereas cradle assembly 112 is disposed opposite the front face. Cradle assembly 116 is identical to the first and second cradle assemblies 112, 114 and when connected to them form two container cradles. The cradle between cradle assemblies 112 and 114 can hold twelve ounce containers, for example, while the cradle between cradle assemblies 114 and 116 can hold twenty ounce containers, for example. While three cradle assemblies are illustrated, there may be only two or there may be more than three assemblies joined together forming a shelf device for cylindrical containers. The forward-most container in each cradle is inhibited from exiting the cradle by the front, bottom connecting members which extend above the plane of the gravity feed panel.

It can now be appreciated that a shelf device for a cooler uses male and female connecting members as a means for adjusting cradle width to accommodate containers of different sizes. Each cradle assembly can be identical with others to simplify manufacturing and assembly in the field. Or, end cradle assemblies can be different to save space in the cooler by having the external or exposed end faces free of connecting members and gravity feed panels.

While the invention has been described with particular reference to the preferred embodiments of FIGS. 1-3, it will be understood that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements of those preferred embodiments. For example, each cradle panel can have male connecting members with an attachable female member connected thereto determining spacing, and therefore container size, between the cradle panels. Alternatively, each cradle panel can have female connecting members with an attachable male member connected thereto determining spacing, and therefore container size, between the cradle panels.

Referring now to the embodiment of FIGS. 4-5, a gravity feed shelf device 210 for storing product containers on their sides and dispensing containers one at a time has multiple cradle assemblies connected together, such as cradle assemblies 212, 214 and 216 for example. Preferably, each cradle assembly is identical; however, cradle assemblies that are on the ends of a shelf device, that is, the end cradle assemblies, may be void of gravity feed panels which are not needed on the ends. Adjacent cradle assemblies facing one another are mirror images of one another.

The first cradle assembly 212 has a first cradle panel 218 with top, bottom, front and rear edge portions. First cradle panel 218 has a top, rear connecting member 220 formed or attached at or near the junction of the top and rear edge portions. Connecting member 220 is preferably an elongated member defining a socket or slot for receiving and holding a top, rear connecting rod 222. Connecting rod 222 snaps into the slot of elongated connecting member 220 to help hold the shelf device together. First cradle panel 218 also has a top, front connecting corner 224 formed therein at the junction of the top and front edge portions. Corner 224 is beveled or truncated to receive a lip member 226 formed on a rear surface of a cover panel 228 for the front of the shelf device.

The first cradle panel 218 has an intermediate, front connecting member 230 formed along the front edge portion. Connecting member 230 is preferably an elongated member defining a slot for receiving and holding an intermediate connecting rod 232. Connecting rod 232 snaps into the slot of elongated connecting member 230 to help hold the shelf device together.

Cover panel 228 covers the upper portion of the front of the unit and provides space for product identification. Cover panel 228 can be made in lengths to fit typical cooler widths and can also be made in lengths for typical containers. Cover panel 228 has at least one connecting member 234 below lip member 226 on its rear surface. Connecting member 234 is preferably an elongated member defining a slot for receiving and holding intermediate connecting rod 232. Connecting rod 232 snaps into the slot of elongated connecting member 234 to anchor cover panel 228 to the shelf device.

The cover panel 228 can be moved from the closed position of FIG. 4 to the open position of FIG. 5. In the closed position, connecting lip 226 fits over corner 224 to hold the cover vertical where it hides or covers the containers on the shelf device for dispensing. As the cover panel closes, lip 226 encounters beveled corner 224 and slides along the bevel to reach the top edge where it forms a force fit. In the open position, connecting lip 226 disengages corner 224 so that cover panel 228 pivots on rod 232 and swings down for loading containers from the front, if desired. Otherwise, containers are loaded from inside the cooler by placing them on the upper guide panels.

First cradle panel 218 has a front extension 236 that extends the bottom edge portion and lower portion of the front edge portion forward. Front extension 236 preferably curves upward forming a cradle for holding a container for dispensing. A bottom, front connecting member 238 is formed along front extension 236. Connecting member 238 is preferably an elongated member defining a slot for receiving and holding a bottom, front connecting rod 240. Connecting rod 240 snaps into the slot of elongated connecting member 238 to help hold the shelf device together.

The bottom, rear portion of first cradle panel 218 is not visible in the drawings, but all the cradle panels are identical and interchangeable; so, the bottom, rear portion will be described with reference to cradle panel 242 of cradle assembly 216. Third cradle panel 242 has a bottom, rear connecting member 244 formed or attached at or near the junction of the bottom and rear edge portions, and also has a foot or stabilizing member 246 thereon. There is a transition between the rear and bottom edge portions that is curved to facilitate rolling movement of containers. Foot 246 is disposed forward of connecting member 244 so that the device rests on the foot. Connecting member 244 is preferably an elongated member defining a slot for receiving and holding a bottom, rear connecting rod 248. Connecting rod 248 snaps into the slot of elongated connecting member 244 to help hold the shelf device together.

Connecting rods 222, 232, 240 and 244 are solid rods of a length to fit a particular cooler. Once the cradle panels are snapped onto the rods, the panels are able to slide along the rods. By this construction, one cradle panel can slide toward and from an adjacent cradle panel to vary the distance therebetween to accommodate containers of different sizes. The connecting rods attach at or near corners of the panels to increase structural integrity.

A lower gravity feed panel 250 extends along the front face or right side of cradle panel 242. The gravity feed panel 250 extends from the rear edge portion towards the front edge portion of cradle panel 242 so that containers gravity feed forward for dispensing. Panel 250 preferably extends along the rear edge portion also. A second gravity feed panel 252 is disposed above lower gravity feed panel 250 and slants from front to rear so that containers gravity feed toward the rear before exiting through an opening to lower gravity feed panel 250.

On the rear face or left side of cradle panel 242, a gravity feed panel 254 extends from the rear edge portion towards the front edge portion so that containers gravity feed forward for dispensing. A second gravity feed panel (not shown) is disposed above lower gravity feed panel 254 and slants from front to rear so that containers gravity feed toward the rear before exiting through an opening to lower gravity feed panel 254. Gravity feed panels extend along both the front and rear faces of cradle panel 242 with the upper gravity feed panel on the rear face mirroring upper gravity feed panel 252 on the front face, and with lower gravity feed panel 254 on the rear face mirroring lower gravity feed panel 250 on the front face. When positioned adjacent one another two gravity feed panels form a gravity feed ramp for the containers. Thus, the gravity feed panel on the rear face of cradle panel 242 and the gravity feed panel on the front face of cradle panel 256 form a gravity feed ramp. And, the gravity feed panel on the rear face of cradle panel 256 and the gravity feed panel on the front face of cradle panel 218 form a gravity feed ramp.

While only three cradle assemblies are illustrated forming two container cradles, there may be fewer or more assemblies joined together forming a shelf device for cylindrical containers. The forward-most container in each cradle is inhibited from exiting the cradle by the curved front extension, which curves upward and extends above the plane of the lower gravity feed panel.

It can now be appreciated that a shelf device has been presented in FIGS. 4-5 that uses cradle panels that slide on connecting rods as a means for adjusting cradle width to accommodate containers of different sizes. Each cradle assembly can be identical with others to simplify manufacturing and assembly in the field. Or, end cradle assemblies can be different to save space in the cooler by having the external or exposed end faces free of gravity feed panels. A flip down panel opens to allow filling the cradle from the front by a person outside the cooler or conventionally from the top from inside the cooler.

While the invention has been described with particular reference to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements of the preferred embodiments without departing from invention. For example, while a resinous material that can be injection molded is preferred for the panels, other molding methods can be used. Metal can be used for the panels also. It is accordingly intended that the claims shall cover all such modifications and applications as do not depart from the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Element List

-   10 gravity feed shelf device -   12 cradle assembly -   14 cradle assembly -   16 cradle assembly -   18 first cradle panel -   20 front, top connecting member -   22 front, bottom connecting member -   24 rear, top connecting member -   26 rear, bottom connecting member -   28 intermediate top connecting member -   30 intermediate bottom connecting member -   32 at least one gravity feed panel -   34 second gravity feed panel -   36 second cradle panel -   38 front, top connecting member -   40 front, bottom connecting member -   42 rear, top connecting member -   44 rear, bottom connecting member -   46 intermediate top connecting member -   48 intermediate bottom connecting member -   50 at least one gravity feed panel -   52 a second gravity feed panel -   54 male members -   56 top lug -   58 bottom lug -   60 gravity feed shelf device -   62 lugs -   64 cradle panel -   66 cradle panel -   68 cradle panel -   70 cradle panel -   72 small door -   74 large door -   76 lugs -   78 display panel -   110 gravity feed shelf device -   112 cradle assembly -   114 cradle assembly -   116 cradle assembly -   118 first cradle panel -   120 front, top connecting member -   122 front, bottom connecting member -   124 rear, top connecting member -   126 rear, bottom connecting member -   132 lower gravity feed panel -   134 second gravity feed panel -   136 second cradle panel -   180 third cradle panel -   182 connecting member -   184 connecting member -   186 connecting member -   188 connecting member -   210 shelf device -   212 cradle assembly -   214 cradle assembly -   216 cradle assembly -   218 first cradle panel -   220 top, rear connecting member -   222 top, rear connecting rod -   224 top, front connecting corner -   226 lip member -   228 cover panel -   230 intermediate, front connecting member -   232 intermediate connecting rod -   234 cover panel connecting member -   236 front extension -   238 bottom, front connecting member -   240 bottom, front connecting rod -   242 third cradle panel -   244 bottom, rear connecting member -   246 foot or stabilizing member -   248 bottom, rear connecting rod -   250 lower gravity feed panel -   252 second gravity feed panel -   254 gravity feed panel -   256 cradle panel 

1. A gravity feed shelf device for storing product containers on their sides and dispensing containers one at a time, comprising: first and second cradle assemblies, each said cradle assembly having a cradle panel with top, bottom, front and rear edge portions, a front top connecting member attached to at least one of said top and front edge portions, a front bottom connecting member attached to at least one of said bottom and front edge portions, a rear top connecting member attached to at least one of said top and rear edge portions, a rear bottom connecting member attached to at least one of said bottom and rear edge portions, and at least one gravity feed panel extending downward from said rear edge portion towards said front edge portion; and joining means for adjustably joining connecting members of said first cradle assembly to connecting members of said second cradle assembly to vary spacing therebetween to accommodate containers of different sizes.
 2. A shelf device, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said connecting members are female members and wherein said joining means are male members.
 3. A shelf device, as set forth in claim 2, wherein said male members slide in said female members and vary spacing between said first and second cradle assemblies.
 4. A shelf device, as set forth in claim 1, including: a first lug having an opening and being attached to a top portion of said cradle panel of said first cradle assembly; and a second lug having an opening and being attached to a top portion of said cradle panel of said second cradle assembly, said cradle assemblies being adjacent one another.
 5. A shelf device, as set forth in claim 4, including a door panel pivotally attached to said first and second lugs.
 6. A shelf device, as set forth in claim 5, wherein said door panel has protrusions inserted into said openings of said first and second lugs.
 7. A shelf device, as set forth in claim 1, including: a first lug having a slot and being attached to a bottom portion of said cradle panel of said first cradle assembly; and a second lug having a slot and being attached to a bottom portion of said cradle panel of said second cradle assembly; and a display panel received in said slots of said first and second lugs.
 8. A gravity feed shelf device for storing product containers on their sides and dispensing containers one at a time, comprising: first and second cradle assemblies, each said cradle assembly having a cradle panel with top, bottom, front, front extension and rear edge portions, a front connecting member attached to said front edge portion, a front extension connecting member attached to said front extension portion, a rear top connecting member attached to at least one of said top and rear edge portions, a rear bottom connecting member attached to at least one of said bottom and rear edge portions, and at least one gravity feed panel; and a plurality of rods adjustably joining connecting members of said first cradle assembly to corresponding connecting members of said second cradle assembly to vary spacing therebetween to accommodate containers of different sizes.
 9. A shelf device, as set forth in claim 8, wherein said at least one gravity feed panel extends downward from said rear edge portion towards said front edge portion.
 10. A shelf device, as set forth in claim 9, including a second gravity feed panel disposed above said at least one gravity feed panel and extending downward from said front edge portion towards said rear edge portion.
 11. A shelf device, as set forth in claim 8, wherein each said connecting member is an elongated member defining a socket for releasably holding a connecting rod.
 12. A shelf device, as set forth in claim 8, wherein: a first cradle panel of said first cradle assembly has a top, rear connecting member attached at the junction of top and rear edge portions, said connecting member defining a socket; and a top rear connecting rod of said plurality of rods disposed in said socket.
 13. A shelf device, as set forth in claim 12, including: a top, front connecting corner formed at the junction of said top and front edge portions of said first cradle panel; a cover panel having a lip on a rear surface and a connecting member below said lip, said connecting member being an elongated member defining a socket; and a front connecting rod of said plurality of rods disposed in said socket of said connecting member of said cover panel, said cover panel pivoting on said front connecting rod to bring said lip into latching contact with said connecting corner.
 14. A shelf device, as set forth in claim 13, wherein said connecting corner is truncated to receive said lip.
 15. A gravity feed shelf device for storing product containers on their sides and dispensing containers one at a time, comprising: a first cradle assembly having a first cradle panel with top, bottom, front, front extension and rear edge portions, a first front connecting member attached to said front edge portion, a first front extension connecting member attached to said front extension portion, a first rear top connecting member attached to at least one of said top and rear edge portions, a first rear bottom connecting member attached to at least one of said bottom and rear edge portions, and at least one first gravity feed panel; and a second cradle assembly having a second cradle panel with top, bottom, front, front extension and rear edge portions, a second front connecting member attached to said front edge portion, a second front extension connecting member attached to said front extension portion, a second rear top connecting member attached to at least one of said top and rear edge portions, a second rear bottom connecting member attached to at least one of said bottom and rear edge portions, and at least one second gravity feed panel; and a plurality of rods adjustably joining connecting members of said first cradle assembly to corresponding connecting members of said second cradle assembly to vary spacing therebetween to accommodate containers of different sizes.
 16. A shelf device, as set forth in claim 15, wherein said at least one gravity feed panel extends downward from said rear edge portion towards said front edge portion and including a second gravity feed panel disposed above said at least one gravity feed panel and extending downward from said front edge portion towards said rear edge portion.
 17. A shelf device, as set forth in claim 15, wherein each said connecting member is an elongated member defining a socket for releasably holding a connecting rod.
 18. A shelf device, as set forth in claim 15, including: a truncated connecting corner formed at the junction of said top and front edge portions of said first cradle panel; a cover panel having a lip on a rear surface and a connecting member below said lip, said connecting member being an elongated member defining a socket; and a front connecting rod of said plurality of rods disposed in said socket of said connecting member of said cover panel, said cover panel pivoting on said front connecting rod to bring said lip into latching contact with said truncated connecting corner. 